#PANeedsTeachers is applauding the Shapiro Administration for awarding $7.76 million through the Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) program to expand teacher apprenticeships across Pennsylvania, a key step toward rebuilding the state's educator workforce.

The funding supports “earn-while-you-learn” pathways that prepare aspiring teachers while reducing financial barriers and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

“Establishing registered teacher apprenticeship programs has been a top priority for us since 2022,” said Laura Boyce, Pennsylvania Executive Director of Teach Plus. “We’re thrilled with the state’s commitment to developing and funding this vital initiative.”

While praising the grant program's launch, #PANeedsTeachers is now calling on the legislature to approve an additional $2 million in the upcoming state budget to sustain and expand the effort.

#PANeedsTeachers, a coalition led by Teach Plus and the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), has held three statewide summits and released multiple reports addressing the teacher shortage and promoting solutions like apprenticeship and grow-your-own programs.